GLOUCESTERSHIRE star Ian Cockbain opened Winterbourne's new pavilion on Sunday.

The club received a £40,000 grant and a £20,000 interest free loan from the England and Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT) to go towards the cost of their new building.

Winterbourne club secretary, Liz Bracey, said: “We are extremely grateful to the EWCT for their most generous grant and loan but we acknowledge with gratitude the great fundraising efforts made by our members.

"The new pavilion has been built as a self help project using the expertise of club members and volunteers and the total project cost has been approximately £120,000.”

“There is no doubt that the new pavilion will transform the quality of the changing accommodation at the club and this will benefit our own players, the visiting teams and all those who visit the club.

"The new pavilion will have two new changing rooms, toilets and showers, kitchen, lounge area and facilities for people with disabilities – all to ECB specifications.

"We are really pleased with the outcome and the success of the project which has been a real team effort and achieved in a difficult economic climate.”

The new pavilion was necessary because of the rapid expansion of the club, who have five senior teams this season and over 100 junior cricketers. Their extensive coaching programme also includes after school hours coaching for the local primary school.

EWCT Trustee, Brian Havill, said: “The England and Wales Cricket Trust recommended that Winterbourne Cricket Club should receive grant support because of the dedication in their junior development programme and the volunteer club members and supporters have given their time and determined commitment in the development programme.

"This new facility is an investment in the cricket at the club and will also benefit the local community in the long term.”

The ECB’s National Funding and Facilities manager, Bruce Cruse, said: “Investing in worthy projects like this one allows cricket clubs to make their facilities as welcoming and accessible as possible to members, players and spectators.

"Having high quality cricket facilities accessible to the community will be key to sustaining participation in grass roots cricket over the coming years.”